Abstract: A metering system includes a frame, first and second gates, and an actuator. The frame defines a chute configured to receive a supply of fasteners and maintain the fasteners in a line. The first and second gates are each mounted to the frame and movable to advance into the chute and retract away from the chute. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the first gate and configured to advance and retract the first gate relative to the chute. The second gate is configured to move based on the movement of the first gate so that as the first gate advances into the chute to block movement of the fasteners in the chute the second gate retracts, and as the first gate retracts away from the chute the second gate advances into the chute to block the movement of the fasteners in the chute.

Abstract: A fastener system and method includes a controller having one or more processors that obtain image information associated with a tie plate. The tie plate includes one or more holes, and each hole is configured to receive a fastener. A fastener driving unit drives the fastener into at least one of the one or more holes. The controller controls movement of the fastener driving unit to move the fastener driving unit to a location corresponding to the at least one hole, and the controller controls movement of the fastener driving unit to drive the fastener into the at least one hole.